An unidentified relative of one of South Koreans kidnapped in Afghanistan on July 19, weeps during a press conference in Sungnam, south of Seoul, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. In Afghanistan, purported Taliban... (Associated Press)

(Newser)
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The Taliban will release two South Korean hostages who have become sick after nearly a month of captivity in Afghanistan. The announcement came during talks between the militant group and South Korean emissaries, but hasn't been confirmed by international groups monitoring the situation.

A spokesman for the Taliban said the two women would be sent home as soon as tomorrow, but he added that the other 19 hostages won't be released until Afghan officials free two imprisoned militants. Koreans remain pessimistic even about the announced release: "We don't see that the possibility of the quick release is high," a South Korean official said.